Thanks to the makeup of the global musical scene, many musicians find themselves constantly on the road and the move. However, even in this state of hyper-relocation, musicians would still need a reliable instrument (in this case, a keyboard) to practice with, and this is where the 37 key MIDI controllers come in.
The best 37 key MIDI controllers are designed to offer a greater range than their 25 key counterparts while still staying portable enough to facilitate easy transportation. This is why the list that we have collated below considers the dimensions and scale modes of the instrument.
As expected, different brands of keyboards would come with different levels of functionality, and the various levels are most characterized by the features the keyboard would possess, ranging from software and USB compatibility to a suitable warranty policy. We have taken all of this into consideration to deliver the most comprehensive review possible.
| № | Name | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arturia KeyStep |
9,7
|
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| 2 | Novation Launchkey |
9,5
|
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| 3 | Korg Keyboard Amplifier |
9,3
|
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| 4 | GarageKey MIDI Keyboard |
9,2
|
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| 5 | i2 USB MIDI Controller |
9,5
|
Check price |
Other features: USB, instant-chord generation, versatile connectivity, Ableton live lite
The Arturia KeyStep is a keyboard that might not look like much, but it definitely brings more than its money’s worth in functionality to the table.
The Arturia KeyStep would be ideal for professionals who know exactly what they need in a portable keyboard. It might not compare favorably to the near-perfect KeyStep pro, but it does its job well.
Other features: 5-pin MIDI output, free software including Ableton live 10 lite
The Novation Launchkey possesses sixteen pads and is designed to be more compatible with the Ableton live 10 lite, thus making it a need-to-have for creators on the move.
As expressed above, the Novation Launchkey is designed to cater to users of the Ableton live 10 users, and as such, it possesses features that help to take advantage of the Ableton. Furthermore, it represents the ongoing commitment of Novation to bring their line of MIDI controllers up to speed with the MK3 generation.
Other features: USB, Velocity-sensitive natural touch
The Korg keyboard amplifier is compatible with all computer-bade music software and is a generally fun and versatile keyboard to use.
The Korg keyboard amplifier certainly improves the first generation of Korg micro keyboards by expanding its connectivity options. Thanks to its 37-key classification and design, it takes less space than the Korg micro key 61.
Other features: USB connectivity
The Garagekey MIDI keyboard is compact, cheap, and has the functionality to deliver as a beginner keyboard controller.
Arguably one of the most miniature keyboards at this classification, the Garagekey MIDI keyboard was designed and constructed with a greater emphasis on compactness than functionality. As such, where lightweight is enough to be easily transported, it doesn’t have the range of features to interest professional or semi-professional creators.
Other features: USB, free Miditech software bundle
The i2 USB MIDI controller is that keyboard within every classification that strives to give a better value for money than its more sophisticated neighbors.
As such, compared to the Garagekey reviewed above, it is about 2.5 times more expensive but would be arguably more valuable to users who are best positioned to take advantage of the features and functions it offers.
If you are composing and creating music with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software and virtual instrument plug-ins, you need a MIDI keyboard controller to complete your setup. However, while you might want to get any keyboard controller and get down to the business of creating content, you might find there are many options available.
Our aim here is to help you sort through all the options and find the best 37 key MIDI controller for your situation. In case you’re wondering why we specified 37 key, we did so because that is just the right size to facilitate playing with two hands. So, let’s get down to knowing all we need to.
The idea behind making a MIDI controller Trusted Source A Beginner’s Guide To MIDI: What Is It? How Does It Work? – Musicians HQ MIDI is a word you will see thrown around a lot when reading about recording music at home. musicianshq.com with 37 keys is to provide composers and producers with a portable controller that could deliver just as well. This is why there are variations in the functionality of controllers even at this size; hence, the expectations in terms of functions might differ.
Some people might require a sophisticated 37 key controller capable of high-end production, while others might want a beginner-friendly controller to help them get familiar with recording and producing music. Regardless of the specific goal of purchasing a MIDI controller, we have reviewed some of the best brands and models on the market and come up with our best picks for certain categories of users.
Regardless of expectations, though, there are certain criteria by which every 37 key MIDI controller could be judged. Some of these criteria might not be met by every single product, and some products might be suitable by every metric; the level of suitability would be determined by the situations they are to be used in and the features they possess.
We will be looking at some of the most important features to be considered when picking out a 37 key MIDI controller to purchase.
Different keyboards could come with scale Trusted Source scale | Definition, Music Theory, & Types | Britannica Scale, in music, any graduated sequence of notes, tones, or intervals dividing an octave. www.britannica.com modes depending on their design and the preference of the manufacturer. However, it isn’t widespread to see many keyboards within the 37 key classifications come with more than 1 or 2 scale modes.
This rarity makes the Arturia KeyStep and its five-scale modes all the more spectacular. The KeyStep even allows users to use a scale defined by them. In comparison, none of the other keyboard MIDI controllers on our list have more than one scale mode.
A big reason for the production of keyboard controllers with 37 keys or less is to create a more compact product that could be easily transported or adapted to serve the needs of musicians on the road. As such, the dimensions of the controller are important to potential buyers because they indicate just how much space it would be taking. On the other hand, the weight would influence the portability as no one wants to be lugging a 20 or 15-pound monster everywhere they go.
That said, if the size is the most significant factor affecting your purchase, the smallest keyboard controller on our list is the Garagekey MIDI keyboard. However, it should be noted that the limited functionality on the Garagekey is more a function of its price than its size. As such, there would be other similarly built controllers with more functionality.
The material from which a product or instrument is made is usually critical to the durability, and the same goes for keyboard controllers. However, this need for durability has to be balanced by the need for a lighter build.
As such, all of the controllers on our list are made majorly from plastic, but they stay durable enough not to require constant repair work or damage upon light impact.
In the modern world, many purchases usually have an accompanying warranty policy to serve customers in the event better that their purchase comes with some unintentional manufacturing defect. This is even more important for products, such as the keyboard controllers on our list, which have a lighter build or are more susceptible to damage on impact.
Not to worry though, all of the keyboard controllers reviewed above have warranty policies of 1 year. Chances are you wouldn’t get to use the warranty, though, because the manufacturers of our picks are not known for making substandard products.
Price is usually a significant indicator of overall value though this isn’t always the case. Furthermore, true value would depend on just how much a user would appreciate the product (or, in this case, the instrument). For instance, a cheaper keyboard controller such as the Garagekey MIDI keyboard might be of more value to a beginner than the Arturia KeyStep because a beginner is likely to consider the KeyStep overpriced when he doesn’t have the knowledge or skill to unlock its functionality.
Regardless of the price, though, if the value for money spent is your actual target, the i2 USB MIDI controller is for you.
Besides the popular features that customers look out for, more seasoned eyes are always looking for bargains. Some of these might include controllers with more connectivity options to other devices, controllers with velocity-sensitive touch, or even those that come with free software or are compatible with a wide variety of DAW software.
For instance, the Novation Launchkey comes with free software, including the Ableton Live 10 Lite, while the Korg Keyboard Amplifier is designed to be compatible with all computer-based music software. As such, both would be bargains for anyone looking for versatility in that direction.
The MIDI controller features that we have outlined in this buying guide do not magically come to be but have components within the construction that make them function as they do. Some of these include:
The Arturia KeyStep is the most functional 37 key MIDI controller on our list, and it takes its rightful place as the Editor’s choice. Though it might not be as sophisticated as the KeyStep pro, it would still do musical wonders in the hand of any professional.
The premium pick of our review is one that is capable of doing more than most for its size and is spectacular in its versatility. The Novation Launchkey mainly works superbly with Ableton live 10, granting users access to more advanced control than they would with many other 37 key MIDI controllers.
What the Korg keyboard amplifier lacks in overall function and sophistication, it makes up for improved connectivity and a compatibility with music software unrivaled by any other keyboard controller on our list. It also comes with a lot of free software for users.
The Garagekey MIDI keyboard is the most compact controller that we have reviewed. However, it doesn’t compare very well with the other keyboard controllers on our list in terms of functionality. That said, it would still be a good keyboard controller to help beginners get more accustomed to the basics of music-making.
The i2 USB MIDI controller is that keyboard within every classification that strives to give a better value for money than its more sophisticated neighbors. Maybe that’s why despite the overall lack of sophistication compared to the top-ranked controllers on our list, it’s the only one that is designed with weighted keys.
